Security device, method of manufacturing the same, and method of operating the same

Abstract

A security device secures an apparatus having a wall (1110) with a slot (1120). The security device includes first and second shafts. The shafts have arms (10) rotatable about their respective axis into and out of their respective unlocked positions. Each of the axes of the arms are different from each other. The shafts also have tangs (12) extending from the arms.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/085,856, filed Feb. 27, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,370, issued Aug. 24, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to locks, in general, and to lock mechanisms to secure an apparatus having a wall with an aperture, in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A typical laptop computer has a Kensington.RTM. security slot located in a wall of a housing of the laptop computer. When used with a security device, the security slot provides a means of securing the laptop computer to an immovable object to prevent the theft of the laptop computer. Many security devices have been designed, and some even patented, for this purpose. The ideal lock mechanism of the security device securely and tightly engages the security slot. The lock mechanism should also be convenient to use and relatively compact.

Most lock mechanisms use a soft foam washer to compensate for different depths of the security slots in different laptop computers. These lock mechanisms, however, do not securely engage the security slots because the foam washer permits movement of the lock mechanisms relative to the security slots after the lock mechanisms are attached to the security slots. Such movement of the lock mechanism can be exploited to break the engagement of the lock mechanism to the security slot.

Furthermore, most lock mechanisms do not adjust for different security slot widths, but a PC Guardian.RTM. lock mechanism does adjust for such differences in width by using a pair of scissor-like arms that move laterally within the security slot. The lateral movement of the arms, however, requires a reduction in the cross-section of the arms, and the small cross-section of the arms reduces the strength of the arms. The PC Guardian lock mechanism also uses a soft foam washer to compensate for different security slot depths, which is another disadvantage.

Accordingly, a need exists for a security device that adjusts or compensates for different sizes of different security slots while maintaining a strong, secure, and tight engagement with the security slots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded, isometric view of a security device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a lock mechanism of the security device in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded, cut-away, isometric view of the lock mechanism in an unlocked or disengaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a different exploded, cut-away, isometric view of the lock mechanism in a locked or engaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of the lock mechanism in the locked or engaged position of FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cut-away, planar view of the lock mechanism in the locked or engaged position of FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a barrel cap of the lock mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded, cut-away, isometric view of a portion of the lock mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a different exploded, cut-away, isometric view of the portion of the lock mechanism in FIG. 8 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of the lock mechanism in an unlocked or disengaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of a pair of shafts of the lock mechanism in the unlocked or disengaged position of FIG. 10 before being inserted into a slot of a wall of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of the pair of shafts of the lock mechanism in the unlocked or disengaged position of FIG. 10 after being inserted into the slot of the wall of the apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of the lock mechanism during an initial stage of a transition from an unlocked or disengaged position to a locked or engaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of the lock mechanism during a subsequent stage of the transition from an unlocked or disengaged position to a locked or engaged position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a different cut-away, isometric view of the portion of the lock mechanism during the subsequent stage of FIG. 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of the pair of shafts of the lock mechanism during the subsequent stage of FIG. 14 and relative to the security slot in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of the lock mechanism during an initial stage of a transition from a locked or engaged position to a drawn-up position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a different cut-away, isometric view of the portion of the lock mechanism during the initial stage of FIG. 17 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a different cut-away, isometric view of a different portion of the lock mechanism during the initial stage of FIG. 17 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of the lock mechanism during a subsequent stage of the transition from a locked or engaged position to a drawn-up position in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a different cut-away, isometric view of the portion of the lock mechanism during the subsequent stage of FIG. 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the pair of shafts of the lock mechanism during the subsequent stage of FIG. 20 and relative to the security slot in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a security device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart of a method of attaching a security device to a slot in a wall of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, fourth, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is further understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other sequences than illustrated or otherwise described herein.

Moreover, the terms up, down, top, bottom, over, under, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than illustrated or otherwise described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded, isometric view of a security device 100. As explained in more detail hereinafter, security device 100 is used to secure an apparatus having a wall and where the wall has a slot. Security device 100 comprises a housing 110, a cable 111, a lock 120, and a lock mechanism 130. Lock 120 and lock mechanism 130 are located adjacent to and can both fit within housing 110. As an example, lock 120 can be a key lock cylinder.

Lock mechanism 130 comprises a barrel cap 40 and a housing 50. Barrel cap 40 has a recess or aperture 45. Lock mechanism 130 also comprises a pair of shafts having arms 10 and tangs 12, but the view of security device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 only depicts a single one of arms 10 and a single one of tangs 12. Cable 111 is coupled directly to housing 110 and is indirectly coupled to lock 120 and lock mechanism 130, including housing 50.

A portion of lock 120 can be rotated to move portions of lock mechanism 130. More specifically, lock 120 comprises a protrusion 121 that is configured to fit within aperture 45 of barrel cap 40 such that the rotation of protrusion 121 rotates barrel cap 40 to actuate the shafts of lock mechanism 130, as explained in more detail hereinafter. Lock 120 can also be immobilized or fixed in place to prevent protrusion 121 of lock mechanism 130, barrel cap 40, and the shafts of the lock mechanism 130 from moving.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of lock mechanism 130 in security device 100 (FIG. 1). FIG. 2 illustrates the compact nature of lock mechanism 130. A top portion of barrel cap 40 is cut away for illustration purposes to expose some of the internal components of lock mechanism 130.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded, cut-away, isometric view of lock mechanism 130 in an unlocked or disengaged position, and FIGS. 4 through 7 illustrate various other views of the internal portions of lock mechanism 130. More specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates a different exploded, cut-away, isometric view of lock mechanism 130 in a locked or engaged position, and FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of lock mechanism 130 in FIG. 4. Additionally, FIG. 6 illustrates a cut-away, planar view of lock mechanism 130 in FIG. 4, and FIG. 7 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a barrel cap 40 of lock mechanism 130. Furthermore, FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded, cut-away, isometric view of a portion of lock mechanism 130, and FIG. 9 illustrates a different exploded, cut-away, isometric view of the portion of lock mechanism 130 in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 3 through 9 illustrate the internal details of lock mechanism 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 9, lock mechanism 130 comprises a pair of shafts, a barrel 20, a spacer 30, barrel cap 40, and housing 50. Barrel 20 comprises walls 21 defining slots 23 therebetween and further comprises ramps 22. Spacer 30 comprises holes or bores 31, and barrel cap 40 comprises ramps 41 and protrusions 42. Housing 50 comprises a slot 51. Each of the pair of shafts can comprise one each of arms 10, extensions 11, and tangs 12, and the pair of shafts can be identical to each other. In the preferred embodiment, arms 10 are straight and are not curved or bent.

Arms 10 of the shafts extend from within barrel 20 and from within housing 50, through slot 51 of housing 50, to the outside of housing 50 and to the outside of housing 110 (FIG. 1). More specifically, each of arms 10 can extend from housing 50 and housing 110 (FIG. 1) along the respective longitudinal axes of each of arms 10. The two longitudinal axes are different from each other and are preferably parallel to each other. Tangs 12 are located outside of housing 50 and housing 110 (FIG. 1) and extend in different directions from the their respective ones of arms 10. The different directions of tangs 12 are non-parallel and non-co-linear with the longitudinal axes of arms 10.

Each of the two shafts and, thus, arms 10, extensions 11, and tangs 12 are illustrated in FIG. 3 in their respective disengaged or unlocked positions. In such positions, tangs 12 are approximately co-linear with each other, and the shafts can be inserted into the security slot and can also be removed from the security slot, as explained in more detail hereinafter.

Each of the two shafts and, thus, arms 10, extensions 11, and tangs 12 are illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 in their respective engaged or locked positions. When arms 10 are located in the security slot and are in such positions, tangs 12 are approximately parallel with each other, and the shafts cannot be removed or are immovable from the security slot, as explained in more detail hereinafter.

Each of the shafts and, thus, each of arms 10, extensions 11, and tangs 12 are rotatable, relative to spacer 30, housing 50, and housing 110 (FIG. 1), about the longitudinal axes of arms 10 from their respective disengaged or unlocked positions to their respective engaged or locked positions. During such rotation, tangs 12 are also approximately parallel with each other.

When arms 10 are rotated about their respective longitudinal axes, tangs 12 can be simultaneously moved or rotated. In the preferred embodiment, the shafts are rotated simultaneously in the same direction. Thus, both shafts can be simultaneously rotated clockwise to move the shafts from their respective disengaged positions to their respective engaged positions, and both shafts can be simultaneously rotated counter-clockwise to move the shafts from their respective engaged positions to their respective disengaged positions. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, both shafts are in their respective disengaged positions at the same time, and both shafts are in their respective engaged positions at the same time.

A portion of lock 120 (FIG. 1) rotates barrel cap 40, which rotates barrel 20 and which, in turn, rotates the shafts. Accordingly, barrel 20 and barrel cap 40, collectively, can be referred to as a cam, which is located adjacent to the shafts, spacer 30, housing 50, and housing 110 (FIG. 1). Barrel 20 and barrel cap 40 are coupled together and rotate together within and relative to spacer 30, housing 50, and housing 110 (FIG. 1). Protrusions 42 of barrel cap 40 extend at least partially into slots 23 of barrel 20 to providing the coupling between barrel 20 and barrel cap 40. As an example, aperture 45 (FIG. 1) in barrel cap 40 can provide the coupling between barrel 20 and lock 120 (FIG. 1).

The cam, or barrel 20 and barrel cap 40, can rotate each of the shafts by less than one hundred-eighty degrees about the axes of the shafts. In the preferred embodiment, the cam simultaneously rotates each of the shafts by only approximately ninety degrees to move the shafts from their disengaged position to their engaged position.

Spacer 30 and housing 50 support and constrain the motion of the shafts. In the preferred embodiment, spacer 30, in combination with housing 50, are designed to limit axial rotation of each of the shafts to ninety degrees and to limit axial translation of each of arms 10 for the draw-up and draw-down function (explained in more detailed hereinafter) to a predetermined amount. Spacer 30 is coupled to housing 50 via slot 51 of housing 50 and preferably remains stationary relative to housing 50 during operation of the security device.

After the shafts are rotated, the shafts are translated along their respective longitudinal axes, and consequently, arms 10 and tangs 12 are drawn upward into housing 50 and housing 110 (FIG. 1) to adjust or compensate for different depths of the security slots or different thicknesses of the walls defining the security slots. Drawing arms 10 and tangs 12 upward moves security device 100 (FIG. 1), including housing 50 and housing 110, tightly against the wall of the apparatus in which the security slot is located. The shafts extend out of housing 50 and housing 110 (FIG. 1) the furthest when the shafts are in their disengaged or unlocked positions, and the shafts extend out of housing 50 and housing 110 the least when the shafts are in their engaged or locked positions.

Arms 10 are preferably sized to fit the security slot with minimal clearance such that drawing tangs 12 upwards towards housing 50 and housing 110 (FIG. 1) produces the tight or rigid connection between the security device and the wall of the apparatus. This preferred design approach of the shafts eliminates the need to separately adjust for different lengths and widths of different security slots. Tangs 12 are preferably large enough to provide a strong overlapping engagement with the walls of the apparatus while remaining within the entire allowable size tolerance of the security slot. In the preferred embodiment, housing 50 and/or housing 110 (FIG. 1) is put into strong frictional contact with the wall of the apparatus to provide a stable and secure lock engagement with the security slot.

Ramps 22 of barrel 20 can provide the draw-up function briefly described above, and ramps 41 of barrel cap 40 can provide the opposite draw-down function briefly described above. Accordingly, barrel 20 can also be referred to as a draw-up mechanism, and barrel cap 40 can also be referred to as a draw-down mechanism. The draw-up and draw-down mechanisms are located adjacent to the shafts, spacer 30, housing 50, and housing 110 (FIG. 1).

Viewed from a different perspective, the cam, which comprises barrel 20 and barrel cap 40, can also be considered to include a draw-up mechanism and a draw-down mechanism. As indicated earlier, lock 120 (FIG. 1) rotates barrel cap 40, which rotates barrel 20, which rotates the shafts and also draws the shafts up and down. Accordingly, the cam can provide the rotational and translational movements of the shafts, where the rotational movement occurs about the longitudinal axis of arms 10 of the shafts and where the translational movements occurs along the longitudinal axes of arms 10 of the shafts.

In the preferred embodiment, the rotation of arms 10 about the respective longitudinal axes of arms 10 does not include a simultaneous translation of arms 10 or tangs 12 along the respective longitudinal axes of arms 10. Thus, the draw-up mechanism moves tangs 12 closer to housing 50 and housing 110 (FIG. 1) preferably only after the cam finishes the rotation of the shafts, and the shafts remain devoid of rotation about their respective axes while the draw-up mechanism moves tangs 12 closer to housing 50 and housing 110 (FIG. 1). In a different embodiment, however, the rotation and translation, or portions thereof, of arms 10 can occur simultaneously with each other.

FIGS. 10 through 22 illustrate various view of at least one of arms 10 moving from the disengaged or unlocked position to the engaged or locked position and from the engaged or locked position to the drawn-up position. In FIGS. 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, only one of arms 10 is illustrated.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of lock mechanism 130 in an unlocked or disengaged position. In their disengaged positions of FIG. 10, arms 10 are fully extended and are positioned so as not to engage the security slot. When the shafts are in their disengaged positions, barrel 20 is rotated such that extensions 11 of the shafts protrude into slots 23 of barrel 20. The position of slots 23 of barrel 20 relative to slot 51 of housing 50 and bores 31 of spacer 30 forces arms 10 into a disengaged position. In this disengaged position, tangs 12 are co-linear and point towards each other to permit easy insertion and removal of the security device from the security slot.

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of the pair of shafts of lock mechanism 130 in the unlocked or disengaged position of FIG. 10 before being inserted into a slot 1120 of a wall 1110 of an apparatus. As an example, the apparatus can be a laptop computer, and wall 1110 can be an exterior housing of the laptop computer. Furthermore, slot 1120 can be a security slot that is referred to as a “Kensington security slot” in the industry.

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of the shafts of lock mechanism 130 in the unlocked or disengaged position of FIG. 10 after being inserted into slot 1120 of wall 1110 of the apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, each of arms 10 of the shafts abut against at least two opposite edges or three contiguous or consecutive edges of slot 1120 when arms 10 are located in slot 1120. Tangs 12 of the shafts point in opposite directions towards each other and are co-linear with each other.

FIG. 13 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of lock mechanism 130 during an initial stage of a transition from an unlocked or disengaged position to a locked or engaged position. FIG. 13 shows the beginning of the rotation of arms 10 after arms 10 are inserted into slot 1120 (FIG. 12). Lock 120 (FIG. 1) turns barrel cap 40 (FIG. 1), which causes barrel 20 to rotate. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, barrel 20 and barrel cap 40 (FIG. 1) rotate clockwise relative to spacer 30 (FIG. 3), housing 50, and housing 110 (FIG. 1). As barrel 20 rotates clockwise, walls 21 of slots 23 contact extensions 11 of arms 10, and the contact forces arms 10 to rotate clockwise about their longitudinal axes because of the constraint provided by slot 51 in housing 50 and spacer 30 (FIG. 3).

FIG. 14 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of lock mechanism 130 during a subsequent stage of the transition from an unlocked or disengaged position to a locked or engaged position, and FIG. 15 illustrates a different cut-away, isometric view of the portion of the lock mechanism during the subsequent stage of FIG. 14. In FIGS. 14 and 15, barrel 20 continues to turn until walls 21 pass by extensions 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the geometry of extensions 11 is chosen to rotate arms 10 by ninety degrees, which forces tangs 12 of arms 10 into a locked or engaged position relative to slot 1120 (FIG. 12). Tangs 12 of arms 10 are each rotated ninety degrees so they can engage opposite sides of the security slot. In the preferred embodiment, rotation of barrel 20 beyond this point produces no further rotation of the shafts.

FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of the pair of shafts of lock mechanism 130 during the subsequent stage of FIGS. 14 and 15 and relative to slot 1120 in wall 1110. In the preferred embodiment, each of arms 10 of the shafts remain abutted against at least two opposite edges of slot 1120 when arms 10 are located in slot 1120. In their respective engaged positions, tangs 12 of the shafts point in opposite directions away from each other and are parallel with each other.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of lock mechanism 130 during an initial stage of a transition from a locked or engaged position to a drawn-up position, and FIG. 18 illustrates a different cut-away, isometric view of the portion of lock mechanism 130 during the initial stage of FIG. 17. In FIGS. 17 and 18, barrel 20 is further rotated clockwise relative to spacer 30 (FIG. 3), housing 50, and housing 110 (FIG. 1). This further rotation causes extensions 11 of arms 10 to engage ramps 22 of barrel 20. In the preferred embodiment, spacer 30 (FIG. 3) prevents arms 10 from rotating beyond ninety degrees during the further rotation of barrel 20. The engagement of ramps 22 by extensions 11 forces arms 10 upward. This engagement has the effect of drawing security device 100 (FIG. 1) in closer contact with wall 1110 (FIG. 16) and slot 1120 (FIG. 16).

FIG. 19 illustrates a different cut-away, isometric view of a different portion of lock mechanism 130 during the initial stage of FIGS. 17 and 18. Barrel cap 40 is illustrated in FIG. 19. Ramps 22 of barrel 20 continue to engage extensions 11 and draw arms 10 further upward.

The opposite effect is accomplished by ramps 41 of barrel cap 40 when barrel 20 and barrel cap 40 are rotated counter-clockwise. Ramps 41 push arms 10 downward, which loosens the attachment between security device 100 (FIG. 1) and slot 1120 (FIG. 16). Further rotation of barrel cap 40 and barrel 20 in the counter-clockwise direction rotates arms 10 in the same counter-clockwise direction and moves tangs 12 into the disengaged or unlocked position to permit removal of arms 10 and tangs 12 from slot 1120 (FIG. 11).

FIG. 20 illustrates a cut-away, isometric view of a portion of lock mechanism 130 during a subsequent stage of the transition from a locked or engaged position to a drawn-up position, and FIG. 21 illustrates a different cut-away, isometric view of the portion of lock mechanism 130 during the subsequent stage of FIG. 20. In FIGS. 20 and 21, barrel 20 is rotated to its maximum clockwise position, which corresponds to the maximum draw-up position of the shafts. Walls 24 of barrel 20 contact extensions 11 to prevent further rotation of barrel 20. Also in this position, barrel 20 has rotated one hundred-eighty degrees from the fully disengaged position of arms 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 10 to the fully drawn-up position of arms 10 in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 20, and 21.

FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the pair of shafts of lock mechanism 130 during the subsequent stage of FIGS. 20 and 21 relative to slot 1120. As illustrated in FIG. 22, one of tangs 12 of one of the shafts abuts against a first portion of wall 1110 that is adjacent to one edge of slot 1120 and preferably does not abut against a second portion of wall 1110 that is adjacent to an opposite edge of slot 1120. Similarly, the other one of tangs 12 of the other one of the shafts abuts against the second portion of wall 1110 and preferably does not abut against the first portion of wall 1110. In the preferred embodiment, each of arms 10 of the shafts continue to remain abutted against at least two opposite edges or three contiguous or consecutive edges of slot 1120 when arms 10 are located in slot 1120 to provide a secure attachment or engagement between the security device and slot 1120. Lock 120 locks the shafts in this position.

As indicated earlier, security device 100 (FIG. 1) is designed to tightly or securely attached to security slots of different sizes, including different depths. Consequently, the amount of axial translation of the shafts is preferably designed such that security device 100 (FIG. 1) will be in secure or tight contact or engagement with wall 1110 and slot 1120 of the apparatus before the position illustrated FIGS. 20 through 22 is reached, but after the position illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 16 is reached. In other words, security device 100 (FIG. 1) is designed such that this tight engagement will typically be achieved before lock 120, barrel cap 40, and barrel 20 are rotated one hundred eighty degrees from when the shafts were in their disengaged positions. The tight engagement with wall 1110 occurs when tangs 12 contact one side of wall 1110 and when housing 50 (FIG. 1) and/or housing 110 (FIG. 1) contact an opposite side of wall 1110. Accordingly, FIGS. 20 through 22 represent the thinnest expected wall in which slot 1120 is located, and only under such limited and rare conditions will lock 120, barrel cap 40, and barrel 20 be rotated one hundred eighty degrees.

In most cases, lock 120, barrel cap 40, and barrel 20 will be rotated somewhere between ninety and one hundred eighty degrees to achieve the tight engagement with wall 1110 and slot 1120. Lock 120 is designed such that the key for lock 120 can be withdrawn from lock 120 at any point after lock 120 is rotated ninety degrees from when the shafts were in their disengaged positions. After lock 120 is rotated at least ninety degrees and after the key is withdrawn from lock 120, lock 120 is no longer rotatable and is fixed in its current orientation, as are barrel cap 40, barrel 20, and the shafts, until the key is re-inserted into lock 120. Such locks are commonly and commercially available from a variety of sources.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart 2300 of a method of manufacturing a security device. As an example, the security device of flow chart 2300 can be similar to security device 100 of FIG. 1. At a step 2310 of flow chart 2300 in FIG. 23, a housing is provided. As an example, the housing of step 2310 can be similar to housing 50 and/or housing 110 of FIG. 1. At a step 2320 of flow chart 2300 in FIG. 23, a shaft is provided, and at a step 2330, another shaft is provided. As an example, the shafts of steps 2320 and 2330 can be similar to the shafts of FIG. 3, each of which have one of arms 10, extensions 11, and tangs 12. At a step 2340 of flow chart 2300 in FIG. 23, a cam is provided. As an example, the cam of step 2340 can be similar to barrel 20 and barrel cap 40 of FIG. 3. Thus, the cam can also include a draw-up mechanism and a draw-down mechanism.

At a step 2350 of flow chart 2300 in FIG. 23, a lock is provided. As an example, the lock of step 2350 can be similar to lock 120 of FIG. 1. At a step 2360 of flow chart 2300 in FIG. 23, a cable is provided. As an example, the cable of step 2360 can be similar to cable 111 of FIG. 1. The sequence of steps 2310 through 2360 can be interchanged, as desired. At a step 2370 of flow chart 2300 in FIG. 23, the housing, shafts, cam, lock, and cable are assembled together such that the arms of the shafts extend from the housing and are rotatable about their respective longitudinal axes, such that the cam rotates the shafts, such that the draw-up mechanism of the cam moves the tangs of the shafts closer to the housing, such that the draw-down mechanism of the cam moves the tangs of the shafts further away from the housing, and such that the lock locks the shafts in a predetermined position.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart 2400 of a method of attaching a security device to a slot in a wall of an apparatus. As an example, the security device of flow chart 2400 can be similar to security device 100 in FIG. 1, and the slot and the wall of flow chart 2400 can be similar to slot 1120 and wall 1110, respectively, in FIG. 11. At a step 2410 of flow chart 2400 in FIG. 24, a security device is provided.

To attach the security device to the slot, the following steps can be performed. For example, at a step 2420 of flow chart 2400, one of the arms and one of the tangs of one of the shafts of the security device is inserted into the slot, and at a step 2430 of flow chart 2400, the other one of the arms and the other one of the tangs of the other one of the shafts of the security device is inserted into the slot. Steps 2420 and 2430 can be performed sequentially or simultaneously with each other. Then, at a step 2440 of flow chart 2400, one of the arms of the shafts is rotated from a disengaged or unlocked position into an engaged or locked position, and at a step 2450 of flow chart 2400, the other one of the arms of the other one of the shafts is rotated from a disengaged or unlocked position into an engaged or locked position. Steps 2440 and 2450 can be performed sequentially or simultaneously with each other. Subsequently, at a step 2460 of flow chart 2400, one of the tangs of one of the shafts is drawn-up towards the housing of the security device, and at a step 2470 of flow chart 2400, the other one of the tangs of the other one of the shafts is drawn-up towards the housing of the security device. Steps 2460 and 2470 can be performed sequentially or simultaneously with each other. Furthermore, steps 2440 through 2470, or portions thereof, can be performed simultaneously with each other. Now, the security device is securely attached to the slot.

To remove the security device from the slot, the following steps can be performed. For example, at a step 2480 of flow chart 2400, one of the tangs of one of the shafts is drawn-down away from the housing, and at a step 2490 of flow chart 2400, the other one of the tangs of the other one of the shafts is drawn-down away from the housing. Steps 2480 and 2490 can be performed sequentially or simultaneously with each other. Next, at a step 2500 of flow chart 2400, one of the arms of one of the shafts is rotated from an engaged or locked position into a disengaged or unlocked position, and at a step 2510 of flow chart 2500, the other one of the arms of the other one of the shafts is rotated from an engaged or locked position into a disengaged or unlocked position. Steps 2500 and 2510 can be performed sequentially or simultaneously with each other. Furthermore, steps 2480 through 2510, or portions thereof, can be performed simultaneously with each other. Subsequently, at a step 2520 of flow chart 2500, one of the arms of one of the shafts is removed from the slot, and at step 2530 of flow chart 2500, the other one of the arms of the other one of the shafts is removed from the slot. Steps 2520 and 2530 can be performed sequentially or simultaneously with each other. Now, the security device is removed from the slot.

Therefore, an improved security device, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of operating the same is provided to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. The security device disclosed herein adjusts or compensates for different security slot sizes while maintaining a strong, secure, and tight engagement with the security slot.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For instance, the numerous details set forth herein such as, for example, the specific shapes are provided to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not provided to limit the scope of the invention. As another example, the cam can be rotated counter-clockwise, instead of clockwise, to rotate the shafts into the engaged position and to draw the shafts upward toward the housing, and the cam can be rotated clockwise, instead of counter-clockwise, to rotate the shafts into the disengaged position and to draw the shafts downward away from the housing. Furthermore, lock 120 (FIG. 1) can be a combination lock, instead of a key lock. Additionally, the mating of lock 120 and barrel cap 40 in FIG. 1 can be accomplished by other techniques than that illustrated in and described with reference to FIG. 1. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.

Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “include,” “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A security device for securing an article having a wall with an opening formed therein, the security device comprising:

a housing;

a rotatable cam disposed within the housing and formed of a first part and a second complementary part, the first part having a first cam surface associated therewith and the second part having a second cam surface associated therewith; and

a pair of locking elements received within the rotatable cam, each locking element being rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, each locking element having a tang extending therefrom, wherein in the locked position, the tangs extend in opposite directions, each locking element further having a cam arm that is disposed between the first and second surfaces of the first and second parts, respectively such that rotation of the cam in one direction imparts rotation to the locking elements due to contact between the locking elements and the second cam surface resulting in the locking elements being drawn into the housing and assuming the locked position.

2. The security device of claim 1, wherein rotation of the cam in an opposite direction causes the locking elements to rotate to the unlocked position as they contact the first cam surface.

3. The security device of claim 1, wherein in the unlocked position, the tangs are co-linear and point towards one another to permit insertion thereof into the opening formed in the wall.

4. The security device of claim 1, wherein the first cam surface of the first part comprises a pair of spaced ramps formed on an underside of the first part in facing relationship to the locking elements, with an inclination of the ramps of the first cam surface being opposite an inclination of a pair of spaced ramps that define the second cam surface and are formed as part of the second part.

5. The security device of claim 1, wherein the first cam surface overlies the second cam surface so as to form a travel channel for receiving the cam arm that extends outwardly from an elongated shaft of the locking element.

6. The security device of claim 1, further including:

a spacer disposed within the housing between the first and second parts of the cam and including a pair of through bores that receive ends of the locking elements, the spacer being stationary relative to the housing and serves to constrain and support motion of the locking elements.

7. the security device of claim 6, wherein the spacer, in combination with the housing, limits axial rotation of each locking element to a maximum of about 90 degrees.

8. The security device of claim 1, wherein the first part overlies the second part and serves as a draw-down mechanism for translating the locking elements along longitudinal axes thereof and causing the tangs to be driven away from the housing, while the second part functions as a draw-up mechanism for translating the locking elements along longitudinal axes thereof and causing the tangs to be driven toward the housing.

9. The security device of claim 1, wherein the second part includes a slot formed adjacent the second cam surface and defined by a wall, the slot receiving a distal end of one respective cam arm of the locking element when it is in the unlocked position, whereby rotation in a first direction of the cam results in the wall urging the cam arm which imparts rotation to the locking element in the first direction and as soon as the second part is sufficiently rotated such that the wall passes by the cam arm, then the cam arm travels along a ramped section of the second cam surface until it reaches a stop that prevents further rotation of the locking element.

10. The security device of claim 1, further including:

a lock that has a first coupling feature that engages a complementary second coupling feature formed as part of the first part of the cam such that operation of the lock causes rotation of the cam which in turn is translated into rotation of the locking elements between the unlocked and locked positions.

11. The security device of claim 10, wherein the first coupling feature comprises a projection and the second coupling feature comprises a slot formed in the first part of the cam.

12. The security device of claim 1, wherein the first and second parts of the cam are coupled together such that they rotate together within the housing.

13. The security device of claim 1, wherein engagement between the cam arms and the first cam surface causes the locking elements to be translated along their longitudinal axes in a direction away from the housing such that the tangs are advanced further away from the housing, while engagement between the cam arms and the second cam surface causes the locking elements to be translated along their longitudinal axes in an opposite direction toward the housing resulting in the tangs being drawn closer to the housing.

14. The security device of claim 1, wherein one cam arm of the locking element extends outwardly from an elongated shaft of the locking element and is captured between first and second cam surfaces as the locking element moves between the unlocked position and the locked position, the first and second cam surfaces comprising oppositely inclined ramps.

15. The security device of claim 14, wherein at one end of reach of the inclined ramps a vertical wall is formed and acts as a stop to limit the rotation of the locking element as a result of contact between the arm and the stop.

16. The security device of claim 15, wherein the stops associated with the first part and the second part are formed at opposite ends of the respective inclined ramps such that when the first and second parts are coupled together such that they rotate together, the stop of the first part is off set from the stop of the second part.

17. The security device of claim 15, wherein the cam arms are permitted to rotate less than 180 degrees before contacting the stop as they travel between the unlocked and locked position.

18. A security device for securing an article having a wall with an opening formed therein, the security device comprising:

a housing;

a rotatable cam disposed within the housing and including a first cam surface and a second cam surface; and

a pair of locking elements received within the rotatable cam, each locking element being rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, each locking element having a locking feature formed as part thereof that is received through the wall opening and engages the wall in the locked position, each locking element further having a cam arm that is disposed between the first and second cam surfaces as the locking element is urged by the cam between the unlocked and locked positions, wherein rotation of the cam in one direction imparts rotation to the locking elements due to one of the first and second cam surfaces contacting and urging the locking elements to one of the unlocked and locked positions, whereas rotation of the cam in an opposite direction causes the locking elements to be urged by the other of the first and second cam surfaces to the other of the unlocked and locked positions, wherein at least one of the first and second cam surfaces is an inclined surface and the respective locking element travels along a length thereof.

19. The security device of claim 18, further including:

a lock that has a first coupling feature that engages a complementary second coupling feature formed as part of the cam such that operation of the lock causes rotation of the cam which in turn is translated into rotation of the locking elements between the unlocked and locked positions due to an urging action of the one of the first and second cam surfaces against the cam arms of the locking elements.

20. The security device of claim 18, wherein the first cam surface comprises a pair of spaced ramps that has an inclination that is opposite an inclination of a pair of spaced ramps that define the second cam surface.

21. The security device of claim 20, wherein at one end of each of the inclined ramps a vertical wall is formed and acts as a stop to limit the rotation of the locking element as a result of contact between the cam arm and the stop.

22. The security device of claim 18, further including:

a spacer disposed within the housing and including a pair of through bores that receive ends of the locking elements, the spacer being stationary relative to the housing and serves to constrain and support motion of the locking elements.

23. The security device of claim 22, wherein the spacer is disposed between the first and second cam surfaces and in combination with the housing, limits axial rotation of each locking element to a predetermined degree of rotation.

24. A security device for securing an article having a wall with an opening formed therein, the security device comprising:

a housing;

a rotatable cam disposed within the housing and including a first cam surface and an opposing second cam surface, with the first cam surface overlying the second cam surface; and

a pair of locking elements received within the rotatable cam, each locking element being rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein rotation of the cam in a first direction results in the first cam surface contacting and urging the locking elements to an unlocked position, while rotation of the cam in an opposite second direction results in the second cam surface contacting and urging the locking elements to the locked position relative to the wall of the article, each locking element contacting both the first and second cam surfaces as the locking element moves between the unlocked and locked positions.

25. The security device of claim 24, further including:

a lock that has a first coupling feature that engages a complementary second coupling feature formed as part of the cam such that operation of the lock causes rotation of the cam which in turn is translated into rotation of the locking elements between the unlocked and locked positions due to an urging action of the one of the first and second cam surfaces against a cam arm of the locking elements.

26. The security device of claim 24, wherein each locking element further has a cam arm that is disposed between the first and second cam surfaces as the locking element is urged by the cam between the unlocked and locked positions, wherein rotation of the cam in one direction imparts rotation to the locking elements due to one of the first and second cam surfaces contacting and urging the locking elements to one of the unlocked and locked positions, whereas rotation of the cam in an opposite direction causes the locking elements to be urged by the other of the first and second cam surfaces to the other of the unlocked and locked positions.

27. The security device of claim 24, wherein the cam is formed of a first part and a separate second part that is coupled thereto such that the two joined parts rotate together, the first cam surface being formed as part of the first part, while the second cam surface is formed as part of the second part.

28. The security device of claim 24, further including:

a spacer disposed within the housing and including a pair of through bores that receive ends of the locking elements, the spacer being stationary relative to the housing and serves to constrain and support motion of the locking elements.

29. The security device of claim 28, wherein the spacer is disposed between the first and second cam surfaces and in combination with the housing, limits axial rotation of each locking element to a predetermined degree of rotation.

30. The security device of claim 24, wherein an interface between the locking elements and the first and second cam surfaces is constructed such that rotation of the cam imparts both rotational and translational movements of the locking elements which include elongated shafts, the rotational movement being a rotation about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, while translational movement is along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.